Contents

Unless you've been napping for the past year or so, you've probably noticed that Digital Single Lens Reflex (D-SLR) cameras have come way down in price, and are now within reach of nearly all consumers. You can spend as little as $600 for an entry-level D-SLR with a kit lens, or ten times that for a professional one, which doesn't come with a lens. In general, Digital SLRS have more features, higher megapixel counts, and larger sensor sizes than their point-and shoot counterparts. They also often sell without a lens and with a higher price tag. But do you need one? That depends on what kind of photographer you are and what kind of pictures you want to take.

What differentiates a D-SLR from a 35mm film SLR is that it captures an image on a sensor, a device that converts light into an electrical signals. These signals are then converted into data and stored on a memory card. Manufacturers have used a variety of sensors in imaging devices, and we expect newer types will be introduced as technology improves. Right now, the two most common ones are CCD (or Charged Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The sensor is what determines the maximum number of megapixels your image files will have. Most entry-level D-SLRs are either 6 or 8 megapixels, but there has been a steady increase in megapixels, with mid-range D-SLRs now delivering 10- to 12-megapixel images. This means you'll get images with more data for larger prints, or maybe for more radical cropping in your image-editing program. Keep in mind, a 6-megapixel D-SLR will give you more than enough info for a great 8-by-10 print. If you're interested in fine-art, large-size prints, you might want a 10, 12 or 16 megapixel D-SLR.

Here are some other things to think about when getting a D-SLR: Do you want a popup flash on your camera? Professional D-SLRs don't have them, but entry level models generally do. What type of memory card does your camera take? Some entry-level models take SD or xD cards, but most still take CompactFlash cards or microdrives. Look to see what file formats are available on your camera: Most shoot RAW and JPEG, but not as many support TIFF anymore. Also, some higher end D-SLRs enable you to shoot in varying combinations of RAW and JPEG files, so that you get two files with each picture you take. The downside here, of course, is that you run out of room on your memory card sooner, but you get the best of both worlds.

Before you actually go to buy your camera, go online or go to a camera store and pick up a spec (technical specifications) sheet on your camera. Make up a list of questions and write down your answers: How low or high do the ISO settings go? A higher ISO setting may allow you take better shots in low light, provided the camera produces low noise, a type of digital "graininess" that is generally unflattering in digital images.

Look to see if your D-SLR offers various color spaces, such as Adobe 1998, which is a larger gamut than the more common sRGB. This means that if you change your D-SLR to this Adobe color gamut your images will be able to reproduce more colors more accurately. Also, be sure to look over the white balance settings, which enable you to adjust color settings to ensure that your light source has no color casts (although you may also introduce a color cast for creative effects). Most folks will simply want to stick to an auto white balance mode, but if you want more options, and more precise control, look for manual settings where you can point your camera at a white card to take a white balance measurement. Some cameras even have the ability to set the precise value for your white balance's color temperature.

How big do you need your LCD to be? Many D-SLRs now have 2.5-inch screens. Do you care if your D-SLR is powered by a rechargeable proprietary lithium-ion batter or do you want to use AA batteries? How fast a shutter speed do you need? Are there any special features you're looking for? Konica Minolta puts its vibration reduction technology into its camera bodies, instead of in its lenses (which is what most others do). Olympus has a special feature that knocks dust off the image sensor when the camera is turned on. In short, figure out what features are essential to you.

We also suggest trying out the camera in a store to get a hands-on feel for the camera. Try the burst modes on the model you're interested in and see if it's quick enough and steady enough. How many frames per second (fps) to you want to shoot? Is the camera too heavy? Too bulky? Maybe you have large hands and don't like the feel of some of the more entry-level, compact D-SLRs. Be sure to check out the camera's menus, dials, buttons, multicontrollers, and so on. Is there anything you find awkward or annoying? Does the camera offer any help features? If you can, ask to see the manual (or go online and download it). Is the manual helpful, or is it just a tour de force of jargon, acronyms, and meaningless charts. We cover most of these factors in our reviews, but there is no substitute for hands-on testing.

While we have made much of the D-SLR camera body, a very powerful part of the D-SLR experience is the fact that it's part of a system, which includes a variety of accessories. Aside from lenses, there are external flashes, wireless adapters, focusing screens, power packs, teleconverters (for extended telephoto ranges), and much more. We can emphasize enough the importance of being able to choose from a variety of accessories, which really enables you to personalize your system. Canon, Olympus, and Nikon all offer a comprehensive set of accessories, from the cheapest lens caps to the most expensive telephoto lenses.

Lastly, when you actually want to purchase a digital camera, make sure you purchase from a trustworthy vendor. Watch out for products sold via gray markets, or unauthorized channels. Often it means a product was purchased overseas and resold here at a cheaper price than you might find at an authorized dealer. That may sound appealing, but cameras that a manufacturer considers gray market will not be covered by any warranties.

Nikon D200 ($1,699.95 list)This D-SLR gives you both professional-level performance with a well designed interface and menu structure. Its new wireless flash system includes the ability to fire built-in flash.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT ($999.99 list)This versatile, user-friendly camera is a pleasure to use, and will reward those who want to explore more creative avenues without breaking the bank.

Nikon D50 ($899.95 list)
For photographers yearning to get their hands on an entry-level D-SLR, this is simply a delightful camera to shoot with. It features excellent picture quality and performance and User-friendly features at a great price.

Olympus Evolt E-500 ($799.99 list)This is a very good entry-level D-SLR that falls just shy of greatness. It offers a 2.5-inch LCD, and the ability to shoot multiple formats simultaneously.

Terry Sullivan is a writer, photographer and artist, who has worked in the photo industry for nearly a decade. In 1998, Terry was hired by Photo District News, a monthly magazine for professional photographers, as its associate editor covering everything from advertising photographers to fine-art photography exhibitions. He was promoted to online editor for PDNOnline.com, where he helped launch a variety of online projects, including PDNewswire. In 2000, he joined Nikon Inc., where he worked on a vast array of online ventures, from redeveloping the...
More »

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service